Crossair pilots were threatened with termination if they didn't fly broken airplanes (which were not covered by the MEL), fly over maximum duty or flight times and/or fly without the required minimum rest.
If a complaint was ever made (of which many were) to the FOCA (Federal Office for Civil Aviation), it was never followed through. Crossair had FOCA inspectors actually flying as Captains at Crossair, for remuneration! Is that a conflict of interest, or what?
Just like in Hong Kong, the regulatory agencies are in bed with the airlines...